Pratsmusingshttps://pratsmusings.com
Eco and Mommy blogger from India
Mon, 11 Mar 2019 01:37:20 +0000 en-US
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3232pratsmusings/ufchhttps://feedburner.google.com10 Simple Beauty Tips For Handshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/oA_1BPD_pv0/
https://pratsmusings.com/beauty-tips-for-hands/#respondMon, 11 Mar 2019 01:37:20 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10215Since our hands are used to carry out most of the chores, they need the pampering and relaxing to look nice and smooth! What if I told you there are totally do-able tips for hands that you will love! 10 Simple Beauty Tips For Hands Follow these simple DIY beauty tips for hands to keep […]

Since our hands are used to carry out most of the chores, they need the pampering and relaxing to look nice and smooth! What if I told you there are totally do-able tips for hands that you will love!

10 Simple Beauty Tips For Hands

Follow these simple DIY beauty tips for hands to keep them soft, nourished and hydrated. Listed are ten sure shot ways to get those beautiful looking hands.

1. Moisturise your hands

Use a good quality hand moisturiser and apply on hands at least thrice a day after you have washed it thoroughly. In the summers use a light non greasy moisturiser and in the winters opt for something heavier like body butter. Winters tend to dry out the skin, so you can do with the extra moisturising.

3. Wash your hands

When you wash your hands, ensure that you wash your hands in lukewarm water all year round. Too hot water or too cold water tends to damage the skin. Never use normal dish soap because it is harsh on the skin and it also dries the skin easily.

4. Scrub

Scrub your hands at least once a week with a good exfoliating agent to get rid of any dead skin. No time to buy one? Make one at home. Take a teaspoon each of fine sugar and olive oil and mix it well with the juice of half a lime. If you want to try something different, add one drop of your favourite EO and you are done! You have your home made exfoliating scrub ready.

Tip: You can use this scrub without the olive oil too. If you’ve used the oil, wash your hands with a mild soap and lukewarm water. If you’ve used it without the olive oil, just rinse your hands in lukewarm water and pat dry.

5. Massage

Massage your hands at night for at least five minutes to let the goodness of the moisturiser soak in. For very rough hands, mix your moisturiser with a bit of Vaseline so that they are protected all through the night.

6. Protect your hands

When you are washing dishes, gardening or carrying out any chore that allows your hand to interact with chemicals, grease or dirt, ensure that you are wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands.

7. File and Trim

When you file your nails, file them in one direction rather than a seesaw action. A seesaw action can separate the layers of the nail and if water finds its way between those nail layers, it can lead to nail peeling. Trim your nails at least once in two weeks or as required.

8. Paint your nails

When you paint your nails, always use a base coat so that your nails are not stained. Using a base-coat will also help the nail-polish last longer.

9. Protect your cuticles

Use a good quality cuticle cream or oil to prevent the cuticles from roughing out or drying. Looking for an alternative you can do at home? Apply a few drops of glycerine to your hands overnight at least twice a week and wash off with lukewarm water in the morning. You will wake up with softer hands.

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/beauty-tips-for-hands/feed/0https://pratsmusings.com/beauty-tips-for-hands/12 Spices that Help You Lose Weighthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/KIz2yYqRtzU/
https://pratsmusings.com/spices-that-help-you-lose-weight/#respondFri, 08 Mar 2019 01:37:16 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10658Most of us can’t imagine food without spices, especially if you’re Indian! However, those little miniscule-looking things don’t just add loads of color and flavor to food – they also pack in quite a nutritious punch. While spices are known to have healing benefits, what isn’t so well known is that they can also help […]

Most of us can’t imagine food without spices, especially if you’re Indian! However, those little miniscule-looking things don’t just add loads of color and flavor to food – they also pack in quite a nutritious punch. While spices are known to have healing benefits, what isn’t so well known is that they can also help you along on your weight loss journey. Here are the top 12 spices that help you lose weight in a healthy manner.

12 Spices that Help you Lose Weight

1. Fenugreek

One of the main causes of weight gain is overeating, and fenugreek helps to curb that by controlling the appetite. Fenugreek has been shown to increase satiety and reduce hunger pangs. Fenugreek seed extract has also been linked to lower fat intake, leading to a reduction in overall calorie intake.

Besides these, fenugreek may also help prevent lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Fenugreek is also in high demand among lactating women.

2. Cumin

Cumin seeds are a part of many cuisines, and are popular for keeping you full for longer. Studies show that a single teaspoon a day can burn up to three times more body fat. Cumin is also known to improve digestion.

3. Ginger

Ginger doesn’t just add a lot of flavor, it also has fat burning properties. It helps to prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar and helps to decrease belly fat along with body weight.

Ginger has many important health benefits like fighting inflammation and relaxing the intestinal tract. Many people opt to use ginger in natural medicines as well.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a favorite among everyone resorting to natural remedies for common ailments. It contains curcumin, which reduces blood supply necessary for the formation of fat tissues.

Weight loss is just one of the many health benefits of turmeric. Others include fighting inflammation, promoting healing and boosting immunity.

5. Garlic

This spice has fat reducing properties to match its pungent taste. Garlic helps to reduce fat stores in the body, and it triggers fat loss by raising the body’s temperature.

Garlic has several other health benefits too, like reducing blood pressure, protecting against inflammation, as well as keeping away illnesses like heart disease and osteoarthritis.

6. Black Pepper

Black Pepper is rich in piperine, a compound that increases metabolism. When combined with other fat burning substances, black pepper can burn as many calories as a 20 minute walk. It also blocks the creation of new fat cells.

Besides weight loss, black pepper also increases the bioavailability of foods, which means nutrients are more readily absorbed by the body. absorption of nutrients in the body.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains a compound that can mimic the effects of insulin in the human body, increasing glucose metabolism by 20 times. It also prevents overeating by curbing cravings.

This compound also gives cinnamon the ability to regulate blood sugar and also reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol.

8. Mustard

Mustard seeds are ideal for weight watchers, with studies showing that having 3/5 of a teaspoon a day helps to burn 45 calories an hour, just 3 hours after consumption. It has also shown to boost metabolic by 25%.

Mustard seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium which helps to eliminate heavy metals from the body.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary has a substance called carnosic acid which blocks the formation of fat cells and aids digestion. It also helps the muscles absorb glucose, which in turn stabilizes blood sugar and controls hunger.

Rosemary also contains anti oxidants that help to improve memory and fight against macular degeneration.

10. Cayenne Pepper

The active ingredient of cayenne pepper is Capsaicin, which contains thermogenic effects – it raises the body temperature, thus increasing metabolism. Studies show that adding this spice can burn up to 100 calories per meal. It also reduces ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger.

All spices have several health benefits. For effective and long term weight loss results, it’s important to have these spices along with a low calorie, nutrient rich, balanced diet and sufficient activity. In case of any existing medical conditions, it is important to get the doctor’s approval before starting out on any new diet.

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/spices-that-help-you-lose-weight/feed/0https://pratsmusings.com/spices-that-help-you-lose-weight/Best Natural Facial Oils available in Indiahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/LmcOGkYY5rA/
https://pratsmusings.com/best-natural-facial-oils-in-india/#commentsWed, 06 Mar 2019 01:37:31 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10395Talking about skin care, face oils and serums are becoming a fast growing trend that seems to have caught everyone in its grip. I have written if you read one of my last post on serums, . In one of my previous posts I introduced you to face oils. In fact, I gave you 10 […]

]]>Talking about skin care, face oils and serums are becoming a fast growing trend that seems to have caught everyone in its grip. I have written if you read one of my last post on serums, . In one of my previous posts I introduced you to face oils. In fact, I gave you 10 reasons why you should switch to face oil this winter. Honestly, you can use it all year round!

How do you use face oils?

Face oils can be used in two ways: one you leave it on the skin to absorb and second, you let it stay on the face for a few hours and wipe off with a towel soaked in warm water. Using a face oil is totally dependent on your skin type. If you have oily, sensitive or acne prone skin, you may just need to apply it on the face and neck and wipe it off after an hour or two. For those with dry skin, you can let it soak in your skin overnight.

What are the benefits of using facial oils?

Most facial oils can also target specific skin concerns that range from acne, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and more.

Face oils are naturally rich with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that can help to tone the skin and get rid of uneven skin tone and blemishes.

Best Natural Facial Oils available in India

Ready to explore some of the best and natural face oils available in India? Let’s find out which brand has made it to the list!

Krya Classic Skin oil with Manjishta & Chandana

Krya is a company that has a large range of products catering to very specific needs. Their products aren’t Ayurvedic only by name; they have been carefully made taking into account the ailment, associated issues and have also taken the doshas into consideration.

If you’re fed up of frequent breakouts and need a lasting solution, Krya’s classic skin oil is what you should get. With 22 ingredients, this oil is formulated specifically for pitta skin, which is prone to breakouts and sunlight-induced reactions. The recommended application for this product is at night.

The Classic Skin oil with Manjishta & Chandana is available at Amazon for Rs. 325.00 for 50 ml.

Bio Bloom Age Defying and Radiance Booster Face Oil

Bio Bloom was born after the realization that true beauty solutions were abundantly available in nature. There was no looking back as they investigated age-old skin remedies and formulated them into products that work for our modern lifestyles.

This product is what you should get if you think your skin needs a boost from within. The combination of essential oils from apricot kernels, carrot seed, rosehip, germanium, lemon and frankincense, along with Vitamin E makes for a potent combination that fights ageing and restores the radiance of your skin.

The Age Defying and Radiance Booster Face Oil is available at Amazon at Rs. 1499.00 for 15 ml.

Omved Sudyuti Skin Glowing Ayurvedic Oil

The Sudyuti oil from Omved contains a mix of a large number of potent herbs and spices, including saffron, sandalwood, nutmeg and cinnamon. These ingredients help control pigmentation, soothes sunburn and even out the skin tone. The best way to use this oil is to massage the oil on slightly damp skin for at least 10 – 15 minutes. Let it stay on your face and neck for an hour and wipe it off with a damp hot towel.

You can buy Omved Sudyuti Face Oil from Amazon . The 100 ml bottle is priced at INR 799.

Kama Ayurveda Jwalini Re-texturizing Skin Oil

With coconut milk and sesame oil, this skin oil helps a host of skin conditions like skin irritation, sunburn, sun tan and hyper-pigmentation. Massage this into your face or body for healthy, glowing and even toned skin.

It is an excellent after-sun remedy. It is appropriate for the entire body, including face. Retexturising Skin Treatment is formulated from natural herbs processed in pure coconut milk and sesame oil. Warm the oil and massage on the face and let it stay for at least 10 minutes before you head for a shower.

You can buy Kama Ayurveda Jwalini Re-texturizing Skin Oil from Amazon. The 100 ml bottle is priced at INR 799.

Juicy Chemistry Kakadu Plum, Passionfruit and Grapefruit Face Oil

Rich in Vitamin C, this face oil that doubles up as a serum and protects the skin from the harmful free radicals. It aids in regulating the production of sebum. With regular application, it reduces the breakdown of collagen fibers and delays the signs of ageing. This face oil is suitable for acne prone skin, combination skin, oily skin, and regular skin. This fast-absorbing serum helps to fade dark spots, scars, acne marks and other blemishes. Also, adds a healthy and youthful glow to the skin.

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Miraculous Beauty Fluid

Yet another facial oil from the house of Kama Ayurveda. This comes packaged in a beautiful glass bottle. While it does have a thick consistency, it also gets absorbed into the skin quickly. While it can be used all day long, I am assuming that it may just work better at nights because it will nourish the skin just a little more as you sleep.

You can buy Kama Ayurveda Miraculous Beauty Fluid from Amazon. The 12 ml bottle is priced at INR 2395.

Veda Earth Natural Anti Ageing Facial Oil

This oil is made from traditional skin-friendly ingredients like Ashwagandha, Neroli and Vetiver. This combination works well for skin that’s ageing prematurely, by reducing wrinkles and restoring that youthful glow. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenates skin cells and reduces dullness of the skin.

You can buy VedaEarth Natural Anti-Ageing oil from Amazon. The 25 ml bottle is priced at INR 430.

Choosing a natural option is always an advantage for your skin. You know that what you are applying on your face is 100% safe and nourishing. These are some of the best and natural facial oils available in India. Have you used any of these face oils? Which one is your favourite? Also, if you think I need to include a facial oil in this list, drop me an email and I’ll look it up.

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/best-natural-facial-oils-in-india/feed/4https://pratsmusings.com/best-natural-facial-oils-in-india/7 Ways Parents Turn Their Child Into a Spoilt Brathttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/IfIgJCWnefI/
Fri, 01 Feb 2019 01:37:20 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=9569The sentiment by P J Rourke is being echoed most modern-day parents who agree with the fact that today’s children are more spoilt than ever. And yes, there are so many ways parents turn their child into a spoilt brat! Most children nowadays believe in the notion that they are ‘special’ and, hence, deserving. They […]

The sentiment by P J Rourke is being echoed most modern-day parents who agree with the fact that today’s children are more spoilt than ever. And yes, there are so many ways parents turn their child into a spoilt brat!

Most children nowadays believe in the notion that they are ‘special’ and, hence, deserving. They also exhibit a distinct lack of responsibility for their actions. Needless to say, these are not the qualities any parent would want their child to grow up with. Yet, what is the reason that more and more children are behaving like spoilt brats?

Here are my 7 ways parents turn their child into a spoilt brat. Can you think of more reasons?

7 Ways Parents Turn Their Child Into a Spoilt Brat

To a large extent, the blame lies with the parents – the way they bring up their children. Here are some of the things or ways parents turn their children into a spoilt brat.

Overpraising

It’s common to see parents overpraising their child for even doing things like taking out the trash or keeping their room clean. While it is important to show appreciation, overpraising can backfire. Showering the child with compliments like ‘good job’ or ‘awesome’ for every small thing they do can make them feel overconfident at best and narcissistic at worst. It makes a child discount the contribution of others and think that success is solely a result of just his own effort. And, when it comes to responsibilities, overindulged children think that doing their duty is nothing short of doing a favour to others, for which they deserve to be thanked. Overpraising also undermines the value of true praise for sincere efforts.

Overindulging

Parents working long hours are unable to spend much time with their children. This makes them feel guilty, especially mothers. As a result, busy parents try to make up by lavishing their children with extravagant gifts. Unfortunately, such overcompensation doesn’t do anything to make up for the lost time. On the contrary, it makes the child materialistic, greedy, and demanding. It also undermines the importance of quality time and proper bonding within the family.

Setting bad examples

The quote, “Your child will follow your example, not your advice,” has withstood the test of time. Our children observe everything we do and learn from the examples we set for them. When parents indulge in doing things like overspending, leading an overly materialistic life, talking back to their elders, or treating the powerful with respect but disrespecting the weak, it sets a bad example for children to follow. Such children grow up to be insensitive individuals.

Failing to implement consequences

Often, we threaten our children with dire consequences, but don’t follow-up with it. And, very soon, our children begin to realise that we’re not going to do any of those things we have threatened them with. However, life outside of home not so forgiving. Children who do not face consequences for their actions end up becoming irresponsible adults, which makes it difficult for them to survive, adjust and succeed in the real world.

Relaxing discipline

Do you allow your to do as he pleases? For example, eat and sleep when he wants to or spend most of his time with gadgets. If so, this indicates that the only rule followed by your family is to please the whims and fancies of your child. Children who don’t follow the rules set by parents or are given the freedom to do whatever they want to, lack discipline and the ability to adjust to a regimen. The also lack self-control, which prevents them from achieving success in life.

*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. If it is a sponsored post, it is indicated. Most of the brands and products reviewed are what I have tried and tested and truly recommend! All Photographs are (C) Pratibha unless stated otherwise.*

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/ways-parents-turn-their-child-into-a-spoilt-brat/12 Ways to help Kids Go Green in 2019http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/66N41UW0BOY/
https://pratsmusings.com/12-ways-to-help-kids-go-green-in-2019/#commentsTue, 29 Jan 2019 01:37:33 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10619We many not notice it, but kids are watching our every move. Every time we yell in road rage or swear when the internet goes off, they are internalizing our behavior. This is true in every aspect of our lives, including going green. As parents, teaching our kids to go green is a big responsibility. […]

]]>We many not notice it, but kids are watching our every move. Every time we yell in road rage or swear when the internet goes off, they are internalizing our behavior. This is true in every aspect of our lives, including going green.

As parents, teaching our kids to go green is a big responsibility. As they say, we haven’t inherited the planet from our parents, we’ve loaned it from our children. That makes us look at things differently, right?

Here are a few tips to help kids go green, starting afresh in 2019. The most important thing to remember is that this is not something that should be forced or treated as a boring chore. Again, it’s our attitude that matters. If we complain about having to carry our own bag, our kids are getting the message that going green is extremely inconvenient. Yes, living a sustainable lifestyle takes a little effort, but the thing is that you soon get used to it, and so will the kids.

12 Ways to help Kids Go Green in 2019

1. Sorting Garbage

This is the easiest task kids can learn – even preschoolers! Teach kids to put plastic, paper and kitchen trash in different dustbins. Make it easy for them by having dustbins in different colors and labels in an easily accessible location.

2. Grow your own vegetables

With the kitchen waste that has been sorted, make compost with it and grow your own vegetables. Curry leaves, mint, tomatoes and green chillies are relatively easy to grow and kids can help. Assign each child a plant, and make it his or her responsibility to care for it everyday.

3. Go the DIY route

There are so many things we can make ourselves, rather than buying. Kids can learn easy things like making dustbin liners out of newspaper – a greener alternative to using plastic trash bags. DIYing gifts for Diwali or Christmas is also something kids will enjoy.

4. Take kids shopping

A big part of going green is to buy less and to buy smart. To educate kids on this concept, take them when you go shopping. Show them how to buy from organic stores or farmer’s markets, and how buying in bulk saves both money and plastic.

5. Walk wherever possible

When out on errands or shopping, walk wherever you can. Not only do we save valuable fuel, we also get a good workout. Getting kids into this habit from an early age is very useful as they grow up, so they won’t be dependent on vehicles for small distances.

6. Cut down on electronics use

Electronics use up electricity for charging, and electronic waste handling is a serious problem. Opt for books instead of smart phones, and board games instead of PS4. At the same time, teach them to unplug after they’ve finished using a device.

7. Declutter and donate

Create a regular decluttering schedule for your kids’ room – clothes, toys, books and anything else. Gather whatever they’re not using and take them along to donate it. Having less toys also helps kids focus more on the toys that they have.

8. Avoid toys with too much plastic and batteries

When buying toys for kids, go for good quality toys rather than ones made of cheap plastic that are not just harmful for the environment but a health hazard too. Avoid ones that need batteries – you’ll have to keep buying batteries and when you don’t, the toy will get discarded.

9. Plan nature outings

When planning outings with the kids, don’t go straight to the mall. Check out local parks and sanctuaries in your area, and spend some time there. Take time to cycle around the neighborhood to see things with new eyes. You might also discover some hereto unseen gems.

10. Cut down on laundry

Laundry uses up many resources, mainly water and electricity. Teach kids to hang up towels and clothes that they are going to reuse. Tell them to toss something into the laundry only when it is quite soiled, and not if a t-shirt has been worn just for an hour.

11. Use small bowls and dishes

Kids tend to overestimate the amount of food they can eat, which results in large servings and food wastage. Avoid this by going for smaller bowls and plates, which will prevent them from taking too much in the first place.

12. Carry a water bottle everywhere

Plastic bottles are accumulating on land and in the ocean at an alarming rate. Buying a bottle of water everywhere we go is one reason. Get kids into the habit of carrying their own water bottle wherever they go. They’ll save the planet, money and also remember to stay hydrated.

What are some of your ways to help kids go green? What do you do raise environmental-friendly children? What do you do to ensure your children are making the planet a better place? Share your comments with me.

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/12-ways-to-help-kids-go-green-in-2019/feed/1https://pratsmusings.com/12-ways-to-help-kids-go-green-in-2019/The Ultimate Green Living Hamper for 2019http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/X8iBSlTzfrk/
Mon, 21 Jan 2019 01:37:19 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10587It’s a brand new year and a great opportunity to start afresh! I know most of you have made your New Year resolutions and I sure hope they include things more than losing 10 kg! It’s been lovely hearing about some goals people have made this year – coloring a page every day, mastering a […]

]]>It’s a brand new year and a great opportunity to start afresh! I know most of you have made your New Year resolutions and I sure hope they include things more than losing 10 kg!

It’s been lovely hearing about some goals people have made this year – coloring a page every day, mastering a certain yoga pose or growing your own tomatoes. It’s also heartening to see so many resolutions that have to do with green living, whether it’s personal care or for the home.

It’s no secret that commercial household cleaning products are full of chemicals that are toxic in the long run – for ourselves as well as our planet. The ill effects of these are already visible – soil contamination, poor crop yield, poisoned sea animals and so many more.

So let’s do our bit to change things around by opting for greener alternatives when cleaning our homes. And if you think it’s difficult to find such products, think again! Here is the ultimate green living hamper that contains everything you need for a green home in 2019!

The Ultimate Green Living Hamper for 2019

1. Herbal Strategi Floor Cleaner

Our floors are the most used surface in our homes, and the place where little babies crawl and find things to put in their mouths! This is all the more reason your floors should be cleaned with a completely natural cleaner like this one.

Made of lemongrass, cedarwood and pine oil, this floor cleaner is safe to use on regular tiles, stone, granite as well as Indian marble.

2. Herbal Strategi Liquid Dish Wash

Our dishes hold our food, so the kind of product used to clean them should be selected carefully. After all, you want only the nutrients from fresh food to enter your body – not the chemicals from your dish washing liquid!

The Herbal Strategi liquid dish wash puts your worries to rest by using natural ingredients like coconut-based surfactants, soap nut and lemon oils. The product is organic and can be used on all dishes and utensils.

3. Herbal Strategi Lemon Room Freshener

Air fresheners are among the most dangerous products used in homes today. The CFCs emitted from such products harm the ozone layer, due to which there is now an increase in regulations on using such products.

With the Herbal Strategi Lemon Room Freshener, you get no harmful chemicals, only the pleasant fragrance emanating from natural ingredients like lemon, lemongrass oil, cedarwood oil and neem oil.

4. Herbal Strategi Foam Hand Wash

Hand washing is an act that is so important that there are government agencies creating awareness about it. The truth is that hand washing can save lives – but we need to do it with the right products.

This foam hand wash from Herbal Strategi is completely free from chemicals, making it safe for kids and those handling babies. A combination of lemongrass oil, neem oil, coconut oil, tulsi oil and other ingredients makes this an effective way to keep off the germs.

5. Herbal Strategi Hand Sanitizer

We’re on the move a lot these days, and every place we go is packed with crowds. The result? Lots of germs and super bugs waiting to infect us and our families. A natural hand sanitizer is the most convenient way of keeping ourselves safe from such situations, especially when it comes to kids who touch everything they see.

With natural products like neem oil and lemon oil, the Herbal Strategi hand sanitizer is the perfect way to stay germ-free, while ensuring that kids’ hands don’t have anything that may be harmful when ingested.

6. Herbal Strategi Toilet Seat Sanitizer

A dirty toilet isn’t just a put off; it can also be a breeding ground for germs. However, commercial toilet cleaners are quite harsh, emitting toxic fumes and irritating skin. Moreover, they get flushed into our water bodies and soil, contaminating everything.

7. Herbal Strategi Mosquito Vaporizer

Mosquitoes are such pesky little pests that we’ll go to any lengths to keep them away – including chemical-ridden repellents! However, such repellents often contain ingredients that are known to trigger allergies, especially in young children.

The solution then is a mosquito vaporizer like this one from Herbal Strategi, which uses natural essential oils to keep the pests away. This also ensures that your room smells natural, instead of the toxic smell from other repellents.

8. Herbal Strategi Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks

Many people like lighting incense sticks in their homes; they enjoy the zen-like feeling they get from it, along with the lovely aroma. However, the wrong kind of incense sticks mean that you’re inhaling toxic vapors, doing more harm than good.

These incense sticks from Herbal Strategi serve multiple purposes. They contain 100% natural ingredients making them safe for homes, and they also help keep mosquitoes far away.

9. Herbal Strategi Mosquito Repellent Room Spray

Sometimes, the mosquitoes need to be directly attacked, which is when a room spray comes to the rescue! A room spray helps you target specific spots in a room, like corners or behind curtains.

Made exclusively from natural ingredients, the Herbal Strategi mosquito repellent room spray is ideal for a home with kids, since it is completely free from harmful chemicals like DEET.

10. Herbal Strategi Mosquito Repellent Body Spray

Mosquitoes can be found anywhere and everywhere, and getting rid of them when out and about can be difficult. However, mosquitoes are dangerous anywhere, and an easy solution is a mosquito repellent body spray.

The Herbal Strategi mosquito repellent body spray is made of natural ingredients like lemongrass, eucalyptus and others, making it safe to apply directly on skin. And being in a compact container makes it easy to carry around.

11. Herbal Strategi Ant Repellent

Ants are creatures that can pop up at the slightest trigger, and they can be really difficult to get rid of! In many cases, an ant repellent may be the only option, but chemical ones can be dangerous, especially when used in the kitchen.

That’s why the Herbal Strategi and repellent is the perfect alternative to commercial ant repellents, solving the ant nuisance problem while ensuring your food and dishes aren’t contaminated with chemicals.

This hamper from Herbal Strategi isn’t just the complete solution for all your green cleaning needs, it also makes the perfect gift! It has everything a you need for a clean home and a healthy family as well as a green planet – all of it by being 100% chemical-free!

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/the-ultimate-green-living-hamper-for-2019/How a WhatsApp rumour spoilt my medicine cabinethttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/YfUzBIEedH8/
https://pratsmusings.com/how-a-whatsapp-rumour-spoilt-my-medicine-cabinet/#commentsThu, 17 Jan 2019 10:50:42 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10595Being a mom and caregiver is not easy. You are not only responsible for everyone’s well-being but also have to be an able knight, keeping your ears and eyes open for information and news especially when it pertains to medicines and their efficacy. One morning, when my phone refused to stop buzzing, I opened it […]

]]>Being a mom and
caregiver is not easy. You are not only responsible for everyone’s well-being
but also have to be an able knight, keeping your ears and eyes open for
information and news especially when it pertains to medicines and their
efficacy.

One morning,
when my phone refused to stop buzzing, I opened it to see 150 unread messages
on a mommy group I was a part of. Intrigued, when I opened it, all I saw were
messages and concerns around this tablet Combiflam, how one person had read
this one message that Combiflam is banned, and based on this one rumour, everyone
was ready to hunt down every Combiflam strip in their house and throw it away.

Is Combiflam really banned?

I am someone who has used this tablet, without fear, for pain management in the past. So, to say I was concerned would be an understatement! I could completely relate with the panic on the group. Since it is my responsibility to keep the medicine cabinet stocked, I am also responsible for the medicines that enter my house. Reading about the intense fear in the group messages, I was almost about to follow suit and dump all my strips into the dustbin when I told myself to stop and think a minute.

We all know how
WhatsApp and social media are notorious for spreading fake news and presenting
one facet of the situation as ‘fact’ and ‘breaking news’ to the extent that sifting
through the clutter becomes almost impossible. But I am armed with relevant
resources, I decided to find out where this news that Combiflam is banned had
come from and if there was any truth to it.

De-bunking myths about combiflam tablet

After reading a few articles that explained the situation I realized how the matter was twisted and turned to make it sensational.

I also found this video that
explained how taking painkillers like Combiflam in their prescribed dosage was
safe. The video further went on to explain that the news circulating on
Facebook and WhatsApp was fake and everyone should read up on credible sources
before coming to any conclusions.

I also went to
confirm with my trusted neighbourhood chemist again who confirmed that
Combiflam is safe and available on prescription.

I shared my newfound & verified information in the group and asked the person who had started the entire debate where she had got her information. And she said it was a WhatsApp forward she had read on her family group. I have also, like the current WhatsApp campaign, asked people in the group not to spread rumours and pass on information without verifying it.

I am just glad that I did not let this random viral news spoil my medicine cabinet & also of other friends and family members. All I can tell you is to be aware and use the resources at hand – internet, doctors, pharmacists, etc. – before believing what you read on WhatsApp and social media.

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/how-a-whatsapp-rumour-spoilt-my-medicine-cabinet/feed/12https://pratsmusings.com/how-a-whatsapp-rumour-spoilt-my-medicine-cabinet/7 Things I Carry in my Pursehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/dYevG081Dm4/
Fri, 28 Dec 2018 10:25:14 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10539What’s in your bag? If you think this is a frivolous question, you obviously haven’t seen the posts on social media with the hashtag ‘whatsinmybag’! The reason this is such a popular hashtag is probably because we women carry around our whole world in our bag, and we are always prepared – especially if you’re […]

What’s in your bag? If you think this is a frivolous question, you obviously haven’t seen the posts on social media with the hashtag ‘whatsinmybag’! The reason this is such a popular hashtag is probably because we women carry around our whole world in our bag, and we are always prepared – especially if you’re a Mom!

Now, please don’t get misled by the title of this post – I most certainly carry around several more than 7 things in my purse, but these seven are my must-haves – my friends through thick and thin. I can’t count the times one or more of these guys have come to my rescue in sticky situations!

So here’s a peek at 7 things I carry in my purse – and why I love them so!

7 Things I Carry in my Purse

You would rarely find anything to do with make-up in my purse. The sole item would be a kajal or a lipstick. But there some things I carry in my purse that are a must have for me. Since I travel a bit for meetings and I am on the move, I prefer to carry these things in my purse.

1. Tree Wear Natural Hand Sanitizer Balanced Blend

One thing you simply can’t do without is a hand sanitizer. Our hands touch all sorts of things when outdoors, from handle bars on vehicles to money, all of which can transfer to our bodies if we’re not careful. And if you have kids with you, you can add boogers and bugs to the list!

But it worries me that commercial hand sanitizers have so many chemicals in them, which can cause their own side effects. That’s where Tree Wear’s natural hand sanitizer comes to the rescue. Made with 100% natural essential oils, this sanitizer effectively removes germs without hurting the environment. It is completely non-toxic, alcohol-free and child-friendly.

The Balanced Blend Natural Hand Sanitizer is available at Amazon India at Rs. 299.00 for 50 ml.

2. Pee Safe Toilet Seat Sanitizer

Yes, sanitizing our hands isn’t enough; we need to do the same for the toilet seat too! Public restrooms are not a pretty sight, in most parts of India. Most of them are poorly maintained, and you don’t dare look inside the toilet bowl! However, when you got to go – you got to go!! So rather than holding it in and risking a urinary tract infection, use Pee Safe!

I make sure I always have a can in my bag, because….well, you never know when you need to go!! And since public washrooms don’t just look icky but smell terrible too, this can serves the dual purpose of deodorizing while sanitizing! The spray is super easy to use and dries within no time, so you don’t have to worry about sitting on a wet seat.

The Lavender Toilet Seat Sanitizer Spray is available at Amazon India at Rs. 499.00 for 300 ml.

3. Soultree Ayurvedic Kajal

While kajal is considered a beauty product, it was traditionally applied to improve eye health. Our ancestors prepared kajal with natural ingredients that felt good, looked good and did good by our eyes and our environment. This 3000-year old process has been adopted by Soultree in their range of Ayurvedic Kajal sticks.

The Soultree Ayurvedic Kajal uses organic ghee, almond oil and other natural ingredients for a soothing, cooling formulation that also brightens your eyes. They have a whole assortment of colors, of which my favorites are Natural Black and Rich Loam. You’re sure to find your favorite shade here!

The Ayurvedic Kajal is available at Amazon India at Rs. 350.00 for 3 g.

4. Mamaearth Organic Bamboo Based Wipes

If you’re a Mom, you know exactly how messy kids can get. Or rather that there’s no limit to their messiness! With boys, things can get quite gross, quite fast and my organic wipes are what help me get through such times!

I must have tried pretty much all brands of wipes out there and I can safely attest that Mamaearth’s wipes are the best you can find here. These are India’s first organic bamboo-based wipes, made from organic bamboo and enriched with aloe vera, shea butter, almond oil and other soothing ingredients. The best part is that you don’t have to feel guilty when you throw them – the wipes are 100% biodegradable.

The Organic Bamboo Based Wipes are available at Amazon India at Rs. 249.00 for a pack of 72 wipes.

5. Omved Cinnamon Lip Balm

Come winter and I am plagued almost instantly with dry lips. The cold, dry air causes my lips to wrinkle and peel, and drain them of all moisture. Then comes the stage where they break and bleed. But all that is in the past, because my lips have found their best friend in the Omved Cinnamon Lip Balm!

The kokum butter and shea butter offer a delicious, buttery nourishment and you can feel your lips getting their moisture back. The cinnamon oil is warming and perfect for winter, while also reminding us of holiday cookies! What’s more, all this is done without a heavy, greasy feeling, and a mild natural fragrance feels uplifting as well.

The Cinnamon Lip Balm is available at Amazon India at Rs. 199.00 for 8 g.

6. Forest Essentials Sandalwood and Vetiver Body Mist

One thing that can totally ruin your confidence is body odor, no matter what the situation is. And when you worry about body odor, you probably sweat, causing more odor and so on! Get out of this smelly, vicious cycle with a body mist to ensure you stay fresh no matter what. My favorite? The Sandalwood and Vetiver body mist from Forest Essentials!

With the gorgeous fragrance of Mysore sandalwood along with Vetiver root oil, this mist is mild, but long lasting and effective. The aloe vera ensures that your skin is not irritated when you spray the mist. I love the fact that the bottle is slim and compact, so that it holds a good amount and still fits comfortably in my purse.

The Sandalwood and Vetiver Body Mist is available at Amazon India at Rs. 1250.00 for 100 ml.

7. Fuschia Cherry Care Hand and Nail Cream

Did you know that your hands are among the first parts of your body to reveal your age? Your poor hands, which work so hard the whole day, bear the brunt of all the soaps and hand washes we use, along with pollutants and germs. So it’s only fair that they get the care they deserve, like this Fuschia hand and nail cream.

It’s not just the name that’s fuschia, the cream and the tub is too! And this is thanks to the goodness of cherries used in the cream. Along with nourishing cherries, the cream also contains almond oil and coconut oil that offer your hands the much-needed moisturization, while Vitamin E takes care of premature ageing.

The Cherry Care Hand and Nail Cream is available at Amazon India at Rs. 450.00 for 100 g.

Does your purse have any of these? I’d love to know your response to #whatsinmybag!

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/7-things-i-carry-in-my-purse/Simple Christmas Cake Recipehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/Stm0fOWnO_U/
https://pratsmusings.com/simple-christmas-cake-recipe/#commentsTue, 25 Dec 2018 15:38:32 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10562Sometimes on a perfectly bright sunny day, you are transported back to your childhood and remember that fragrance that used to be soothing and calming. That is exactly what happened with me. I got a whiff of the non-existent fruit cake my mum would bake every year for Christmas. A few days ago, while I […]

]]>Sometimes on a perfectly bright sunny day, you are transported back to your childhood and remember that fragrance that used to be soothing and calming. That is exactly what happened with me. I got a whiff of the non-existent fruit cake my mum would bake every year for Christmas.

A few days ago, while I was busy meeting deadlines at work, I realised that it had been years (two decades to be precise) since my mum had baked her much sought after Christmas cake. I suddenly craved for it. You know the “I want to eat it right now” kind of moment happened!

Baking the Christmas cake was one of the most awaited events in my house. Getting the cake ready. Preparations started at least two months in advance with my mum carefully selecting the dry fruits that went into it. Of course, it would be soaked senseless after you dunked half a bottle of Old Monk in it! The fragrance in just one week would be a sweet smelling, heady one, and a mix of orange peels, cherries, dried fruits, nuts and more.

Craving for it, I called her to ask her for the recipe, a good one and a half months ago! A week and several calls later I had the recipe! She’d call back regularly for a week asking me if she mentioned a particular ingredient in our previous conversation!

Getting back to the cake, I was super excited when I had the entire recipe with me. I know that my boys had never tasted the cake till now, and their only introduction to Christmas was decorating a Christmas tree at home! And thus the preps for the cake began in full swing at my home.

My Mums Simple Christmas Cake Recipe

I am sure that there are various recipes of Christmas cake. This one is close to my heart because I grew up with the smell of this and various other cakes baking at home. After I had spoken to my mum and got the recipe, I decided that I would bake the cake and share the recipe with you all! Here it is, my mum’s variation of the Christmas cake.

Getting the batter ready

200 gms of unsalted butter

250 gms of sugar

3 tbs of caramelised sugar

2 heaped tsp of cocoa powder

5 heaped tsp of coffee powder

400 gms all-purpose flour

2 level tsp of baking powder

2 tbsps of honey

1/2 tsp of garam masala *

*for the garam masala grind 2 inch cinnamon, 4 cloves and 1 black cardamom to a smooth powder. Sieve it to add to the cake batter.

What you need to soak at least two months in advance

I chose a mix of orange peels, walnuts, cashewnuts, tutti-frutti, raisins, melon seeds (crushed coarsely), cherries, figs and some fresh dates. I chopped these into small pieces and soaked it in about 200 ml of Old Monk. The whole quantity of the chopped dry fruits was about 250 gms. Store this in a glass bowl and gently stir it once a week. If you feel the fruits have soaked in the rum, you can add more. The only hitch is that the smell of cake gets really strong if you add in too much rum.

Take out the soaked fruits and sprinkle some flour on it and mix gently. Coating it with flour ensures that the dry fruits do not settle at the bottom of the cake tin when it is getting baked.

Baking the cake

Ensure that all ingredients like butter, milk, eggs and honey are at room temperature when you start making the batter.

Grind the sugar in a blender to make a fine powder.

Transfer to a clean glass bowl and add the softened butter*.

Mix till fluffy. I use a blender only for this stage.

Gently break in the eggs one by one and mix in with the batter.

Add the honey and caramalised sugar and mx well.

Sieve the flour, cocoa powder, coffee powder, garam masala and the baking powder. Transfer this to another glass bowl and make a well in the middle.

Add all the wet ingredients till step 5 in the well and mix the batter well.

If you feel the batter is very thick, add some milk at this point to get the consistency you desire.

*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. If it is a sponsored post, it is indicated. Most of the brands and products reviewed are what I have tried and tested and truly recommend! All Photographs are (C) Pratibha unless stated otherwise.*

]]>https://pratsmusings.com/simple-christmas-cake-recipe/feed/1https://pratsmusings.com/simple-christmas-cake-recipe/Easy Recipes for Healthy Christmas Snackshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pratsmusings/ufch/~3/Mwws9bq6Y6c/
https://pratsmusings.com/easy-recipes-for-healthy-christmas-snacks/#commentsSun, 23 Dec 2018 05:38:05 +0000https://pratsmusings.com/?p=10544The festivities are in the air. While I love to start my day with some hot chocolate to beat the chills, I am also prepping myself to make some Christmas goodies this year. The sole purpose is because my twin boys have the winter break and they are hungry every waking hour! And if that […]

]]>The festivities are in the air. While I love to start my day with some hot chocolate to beat the chills, I am also prepping myself to make some Christmas goodies this year. The sole purpose is because my twin boys have the winter break and they are hungry every waking hour! And if that wasn’t enough, I generally have a troop of boys landing at my home looking expectantly for “something good’’ to eat; courtesy my boys!

Try These Easy Recipes for Healthy Christmas Snacks at Home

Rather than serving packaged food, this year I decided to indulge in some easy recipes for healthy Christmas snacks at home. The best part is that you can get your kids to help you too and these snacks, needless to say are healthy of course! Here are some of my favourite home-made winter goodies that also double up as Christmassy snacks!

Date Snacker

I had some dates left over after the ones I used for the cake I just baked, so I decided to make this quick snack that is also warming in the winters. Plus it’s home-made and healthy!

Kalkal’s

Have you ever tasted these? I am told it’s a Goan delicacy, but my mum would make these for Christmas along with the rich plum cake. The art of kneading the dough, taking small balls and rolling it at the back of the fork and shaping it was a sheer delight to watch. These are deep fried, (and they do taste they best that way!), but since we are talking healthy food, let’s bake them instead.

What you need:

200 gms Refined flour or Maida

A cube of cold butter

1 whole egg and one white of an egg – beaten well

1/2 cup of coconut milk or plain milk at room temperature

A pinch of salt

100 gms powdered sugar

1/4th tsp baking powder

1 tsp semolina (suji)

How to make the kalkal’s

Sift together the flour and baking powder. Keep it aside.

Add the butte to get a slightly crumbly texture.

Add the beaten eggs and mix gently.

Now add the powdered sugar and enough milk to give it a dough like consistency. (If you are unsure of this step, add 1 tbsp of milk at a time). a

Knead to form a stiff dough and leave it to rest for 1 hour.

Make small balls with the dough.

Grease the back of a fork and flatten the ball at the back of the fork. It should cover the entire area of the fork, shaped like a rectangle.

Very gently, roll it back to form a curl. The curl should be slightly tight because it can open up when it is baked or fried.

If you want some interesting shapes, let your kids make fun shapes. You can also add organic food colours to make a colourful variety of kalkal’s.

To bake the kalkal’s

Pre-heat your oven to 240 °F for about 3-5 minutes.

Grease the baking tray with a bit of butter and place the kalkals in it.

Bake for 15 mins until golden brown and leave it on the rack to cool.

When it is completely cooled, dust a bit of powdered sugar if you want or just store it in an airtight container.

Aren’t these fun snacks to make for the kids this Christmas? Perfectly healthy and all made at home. Involve the kids when you make these snacks so that they are occupied in the holidays too! I am planning to start cooking these goodies soon! What about you?

*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. If it is a sponsored post, it is indicated. Most of the brands and products reviewed are what I have tried and tested and truly recommend! All Photographs are (C) Pratibha unless stated otherwise.*